Police Say Man Flees Cab, Hides in Tiverton Woods

arrested a Somerset man after he allegedly fled his taxi in the early morning hours, hid in the woods and charged at an officer when discovered.

Scott Bettancourt, 34, of 148 Moffit Ave., Somerset, MA, was arrested at 3:09 a.m., on Sunday, June 10. He was charged with evading to pay a taxi cab fare, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Officers responded to the area of 138 Bulgarmarsh Road at 2:51 a.m. for a cab driver's report who stated a man refused to pay his fare and jumped out of the vehicle, according to Lt. Patrick Jones. Officers arrived and spoke to the cab driver from Town Taxi, who gave a description of the man, and last spotted him walking into the nearby woods.

Jones said officers searched the woods, and located a man hiding behind a tree and some shrubs. Officers reportedly asked the man, later identified as Bettancourt, to step out. Jones said the man began yelling and questioning what the officers wanted.

"He then charged at the officer in an attempt to strike with a closed fist," Jones said.

Bettancourt was then reportedly subdued, taken into custody and charged.